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Sections News Editorial/Opinion Cover Choice Arts & Life Business Politics Sports   Subscription Form Click here       Daily Independent Online.         * Monday,July 19, 2004. MTN refutes N2 billion customs’ debt reports By Emma Okonji IT. Telecom Reporter, Lagos MTN Communications Nigeria Limited has refuted recent media reports (not Daily Independent) that it owes the Nigeria Customs Service N2 billion. The reports said this was responsible for the seizure of its large container of recharge cards by the customs. External Communications Manager of the firm, Mr. Andrew Okeleke,  who refuted the reports, said MTN records showed that between January and June, this year, the company paid duties of N7 billion to the customs, adding that this is in excess of any of the figures mentioned in the media. “We have facts and data that differ significantly from what is being discussed in the press. In our view, trading allegations and countering them in the media cannot be the best way to pursue an enduring relationship,” he said, explaining that MTN simply had to present its facts and data to the agency involved and seek clarification.  The reports further said that customs officials got wind that MTN was importing a large container of recharge cards that would serve its subscribers for the next two years with the intention to circumvent the Federal Government’s decision on the ban of importation of recharge cards. Speaking on the current shortage of recharge cards being experienced by MTN subscribers, Okeleke said the firm recently found that resellers were selling its recharge cards above the recommended retail price. “We have taken action on three different levels to address this. The levels are on the supply side, the demand side and the dealers’ side,” he said.   For supply, Okeleke explained that the company is increasing the supply of recharge cards in the market to ensure that it becomes uneconomical for any reseller to hoard the product or hike the  prices. For the demand, he said MTN has issued press statements, placed newspaper adverts and radio jingles, assuring the public that it has not increased the prices of its recharge cards and asked subscribers to resist buying the cards at higher prices. “We believe that if we boost supply and the public refuses to buy from resellers at a higher price, then we, with the support of our customers, can overcome the problem by working together. MTN also ensures that its sub-dealers and resellers adhere to the recommended price,” he explained.       Copyright� 2002. All Rights Reserved Independent Newspapers Limited Block5, Plot 7D, Wempco Road, Ogba, P.M.B. 21777, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. www.independentng.com e-mail: [email protected]

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